Water is a necessary component for all lifeforms. Humans can only survive without this precious resource for three days, yet humanity is using it up as if it is in plentiful abundance. The fact of the matter is, the Earth’s freshwater supply is decreasing significantly from excess use, and poor practices.

Washington and Oregon experienced the consequences of lack of water last year during the 2015 drought. The Washington Department of Agriculture anticipated $1.2 billion in crop losses that year, a practice that requires a ton of water. It is not until situations like this occur, do we recognize how valuable water is to our existence.

So what can we do about it in Cascadia? We are blessed with a bioregion that currently has an abundance of natural water sources, but we need to respect nature and its limits to maintain this precious resource.

Mariah is studying Communications at Seattle University. Her passion is helping others understand how to live a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. She also competes in bodybuilding and powerlifting. She also enjoys reading and meditation on rainy days, and hiking and gardening when the weather permits. Mariah looks forward to learning more about Cascadia and teaching others along the way.

Brandon Letsinger is the CascadiaNow! Founder, Cascadia Association Football Federation (CAFF) board member, and Cascadia Underground director. He is an open source and independent media advocate, bioregionalist, movement builder and dusty, sneezy used book proprietor of Horizon Books on Capitol Hill in Seattle WA.